RESIDENTS in Hopton will not be facing any increase in their parish precept bills next April.

At a recent parish council meeting, it was unanimously agreed a status quo, as more people in the parish means the precept of £25,837 can be met without asking for extra cash.

At the start of the meeting, newly co-opted councillor David Ramsden was welcomed.

Councillors heard from PCSO Dave Nickerson there had been 59 calls to the police in October, resulting in eight crimes. A letter has been sent to all residents regarding parking sensibly around Seafields Drive and a reminder was given to cover any equipment left in vehicles as there has been a surge in vehicle crime in Gorleston recently.

In other matters, chairman Mike Butcher reported there was no change in plans to create the Warren Road cycle/footpath and work was due to start in the new year.

Clerk Julie McNair told councillors that following a telephone conversation with Tim Howard, head of regeneration and environment at Great Yarmouth Borough Council, confirmation has been given that the borough was not agreeing with the recommendations outlined in the Shoreline Management Plan in its present draft format. Mr Howard is recommending “hold the existing defence line” then “managed re-alignment” for Hopton.

Councillors heard this was a vast improvement on what is currently proposed in the SMP of “hold the existing defence line” then “no active intervention” for Hopton.

Corton is still designated as “no active intervention” but the borough will challenge Waveney District Council on the policy and are seeking to stop deterioration north of Corton which, if left under the present policy, will affect any works carried out to Hopton.

It is possible that the SMP document will be abolished completely, in which case Great Yarmouth Borough Council would continue to maintain defences in Hopton as and when required. Any proposed works would always be subject to budget. However,councillors felt this was excellent news for parish residents.

Work was due to start last Monday to improve the junction of Coast/Warren/Station roads, taking four weeks to complete and using multi-phase traffic signals.